A prominent figure on the international opera scene, Daniele Callegari has built a distinguished career, establishing himself on the stages of major opera houses and conducting prestigious symphony orchestras across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His regular presence at major international musical institutions testifies to an artistic career of extraordinary solidity, grounded in a profound knowledge of the repertoire, authoritative theatrical experience, and a special affinity for great Italian opera.
Throughout his career he has directed top-notch productions at Metropolitan Opera di New York, Teatro alla Scala, Opéra National de Paris, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Staatsoper in Berlin and Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, as well as in numerous other major international opera houses. A career path that places him among Italian conductors with extensive international experience in the operatic repertoire.
From 2021 to 2023 he was Principle Conductor at Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice at Opéra Nice. He previously served as Principal Conductor of the Wexford Opera Festival from 1998 to 2001 and as Music Director of DeFilharmonie—now the Royal Flemish Philharmonic Orchestra of Antwerp—from 2002 to 2008. In 2022, the French Republic awarded him the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a prestigious recognition of his contribution to musical and cultural life.
His symphonic work includes collaborations with renowned orchestras, including Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, Orchestre National de France, Orchestre National de Belgique, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre de La Monnaie di Bruxelles, Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano.
His operatic repertoire spans a wide range of the European tradition, with particular emphasis on the masterpieces of 19th-century Italian opera. At Metropolitan Opera he conducted Nabucco, La traviata, Il trovatore, Rigoletto and La Gioconda; at Teatro alla Scala, Turandot; at Opéra National de Paris, Il trovatore, Rigoletto and Madama Butterfly. He also conducted Norma, Aida, La Gioconda, Madama Butterfly and Poliuto at Liceu in Barcelona; L’elisir d’amore and La traviata at Staatsoper Berlin; L’elisir d’amore at Wiener Staatsoper; Madama Butterfly, Tosca, La bohème, Un ballo in maschera and Rigoletto at Bayerische Staatsoper. Other significant milestones in his career include San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Opera de Strasbourg, Chorégies d’Orange and National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.
Alongside his theatrical and concert activity, Callegari has developed a varied discography, which includes recordings of the great operatic repertoire and projects dedicated to the rediscovery of less frequented works. Among his recordings: La traviata, Il trovatore and Oberto, conte di San Bonifacio with Fonè, besides La Gioconda, I quattro rusteghi, Mascagni’s Messa di gloria and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. With DeFilharmonie he recorded music by Ravel, Debussy, Brewaeys and Joris; with Deutsche Grammophon he conducted Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano in Cielo e Mar featuring Rolando Villazón.His audiovisual production also includes La Gioconda, Macbeth, L’elisir d’amore and Madama Butterfly.
Future engagements: Luisa Miller at Wiener Staatsoper, Madama Butterfly at Teatro La Fenice and his return to Metropolitan Opera with Aida.
Gianluca Macheda
ul. Grzybowska 43a, lok. 72 00-855
Warsaw Poland
gmacheda@gmartandmusic.com
Stefania Ramacciotti
Via Romana 578/B 55100 Lucca Italy
+39 3479762848
sramacciotti@gmartandmusic.com
“Daniele Callegari pone la sua intelligenza musicale a servizio di una lettura capace di una pregevole
tensione teatrale, con tempi logici, ricchezza di colori e bella sensibilità nel disegnare le diverse atmosfere
del dramma.“
Fabio Larovere, Connessi all’Opera
“à la tête d’un orchestre et de chœurs parfaitement impliqués, il prouve une nouvelle fois ses affinités
avec ce répertoire, offrant une direction précise et dramatique à souhait, attentive à l’implacable
progression du drame comme à l’équilibre entre la fosse et le plateau.“
Stephanie Lelievre, Premiere Loge
“The greatest laurels go to the conductor, Daniele Callegari, whose unerring ear for detail was ever
married to an appreciation of the work’s structure.“
Colin Clarke, Seen and Heard
“A la tête d’un Orchestre du Met en grande forme, Daniele Callegari a proposé une direction magistrale, à
la fois précise et énergique. Le chef italien se plait à accélérer le tempo dans les scènes de foule afin de
produire un effet spectaculaire et à ralentir dans les airs où les personnages s’épanche pour mieux
souligner leurs émotions.“
Christian Peter, Forum Opera